Card Backer

ABSTRACT

A card backer (2) configured to be supportingly arranged adjacent to a card (4) arranged in a sleeve (6) is disclosed. The card backer (2) comprises one or more arced corner portions (8) and arced edges (10). Hereby, it is possible to protect the card (4) against wear and damage during usage.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a card backer configured to besupportingly arranged adjacent to a card.

BACKGROUND

It is known to arrange cards in a sleeve in order to protect cardsagainst wear and damage during usage. The prior art sleeves, however,cannot protect cards from accidental bending and sideways marking duringuse.

Thus, there is a need for a solution which reduces or even eliminatesthe above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art. It is an object ofthe invention to provide a solution that protect cards from accidentalbending and sideways marking during use in an expedient, suitable andpractical manner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention can be achieved by a card backer asdisclosed herein.

The card backer according to the invention is a card backer configuredto be supportingly arranged adjacent to a card arranged in a sleeve,wherein the card backer comprises one or more arced corner portions andarced edges.

Hereby, it is possible to provide a card backer which reduces or eveneliminates the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art. It ispossible to provide a card backer that protects cards from accidentalbending and sideways marking during use in an expedient, suitable andpractical manner.

The card backer is configured to be supportingly arranged adjacent to acard arranged in a sleeve. Accordingly, the user can easily insert thecard backer into a card sleeve behind the card.

By providing the card backer with arced corner portions it is possibleto avoid sharp corners that potentially could damage the card, the cardsleeve or the fingers of the user.

By providing the card backer with arced edges it is possible to avoidsharp edges that potentially could damage the card, the card sleeve orthe fingers of the user.

In one embodiment, the card backer is plate-shaped and has a basicallyrectangular shape. Hereby, the card backer can be shaped to fit mostcards.

In one embodiment, the card backer comprises a uniform thickness alongthe entire length of the card backer.

In one embodiment, length of the card backer is in the range 60-120 mm.

In one embodiment, length of the card backer is in the range 70-110 mm.

In one embodiment, length of the card backer is in the range 75-105 mm.

In one embodiment, length of the card backer is in the range 80-100 mm.

In one embodiment, length of the card backer is in the range 85-95 mm.

In one embodiment, the length of the card backer is 91 mm.

In one embodiment, the width of the card backer is in the range 45-85mm.

In one embodiment, the width of the card backer is in the range 50-80mm.

In one embodiment, the width of the card backer is in the range 55-75mm.

In one embodiment, the width of the card backer is in the range 60-70mm.

In one embodiment, the width of the card backer is 64 mm.

In one embodiment, the card backer is made of a material that regainsits shape in a first configuration after bending the card backer into asecond configuration, wherein the angle between two opposite ends of thecard backer is at least 10 degrees. Hereby, the card backer can beelastically deformed up to 10 degrees. This means that the card backeris configured to be exposed to an elastic deformation which is atemporary shape change that is self-reversing after the force applied isremoved.

In a preferred embodiment, the card backer is configured to return toits original flat shape, after the force (applied during the elasticdeformation) is removed. This can be accomplished by making the cardbacker in a material that allows a change in shape of the material atlow stress that is recoverable after the stress is removed. The use ofthe card backer hereby makes it possible to generate a louder sound whena card hits the surface of a table.

In one embodiment, the card backer is made of a material that regainsits shape in a first configuration after bending the card backer into asecond configuration, wherein the angle between two opposite ends of thecard backer is at least 15 degrees.

In one embodiment, the card backer is made of a material that regainsits shape in a first configuration after bending the card backer into asecond configuration, wherein the angle between two opposite ends of thecard backer is at least 20 degrees.

In one embodiment, the card backer is made of a material that regainsits shape in a first configuration after bending the card backer into asecond configuration, wherein the angle between two opposite ends of thecard backer is at least 25 degrees.

In one embodiment, the card backer is made of a material that regainsits shape in a first configuration after bending the card backer into asecond configuration, wherein the angle between two opposite ends of thecard backer is at least 30 degrees.

In one embodiment, the card backer is made of a material that regainsits shape in a first configuration after bending the card backer into asecond configuration, wherein the angle between two opposite ends of thecard backer is at least 35 degrees.

In one embodiment, the card backer is made of a material that regainsits shape in a first configuration after bending the card backer into asecond configuration, wherein the angle between two opposite ends of thecard backer is at least 40 degrees.

In one embodiment, the card backer is made of a material that regainsits shape in a first configuration after bending the card backer into asecond configuration, wherein the angle between two opposite ends of thecard backer is at least 45 degrees.

In one embodiment, the card backer comprises arced corner portions thatare rounded to a radius of 1 mm (so that the radius of curvature is 1mm).

In one embodiment, the card backer comprises four arced corner portions.

It is preferred that the edges of the card backer are free of sharpbits. Hereby, the card backer cannot cut or scratch the card, the sleeveor the fingers of the user.

In one embodiment, the thickness of the card backer is 0.2 mm or less.

In one embodiment, the thickness of the card backer is in the range0.15-0.25 mm.

In one embodiment, the thickness of the card backer is in the range0.10-0.30 mm.

In one embodiment, the thickness of the card backer is in the range0.10-0.20 mm.

In one embodiment, the thickness of the card backer is in the range0.15-0.20 mm.

In one embodiment, the card backer comprises an enclosure formed as athermoplastic polymer.

In one embodiment, the enclosure is made of polypropylene.

In one embodiment, the enclosure is formed as a protective sleeve.

In one embodiment, the enclosure has a uniform thickness and covers theentire core of the card backer, wherein the core is made of metal.

In one embodiment, the card backer comprises four equally sized arcedcorner portions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will become more fully understood from the detaileddescription given herein below. The accompanying drawings are given byway of illustration only, and thus, they are not Limitative of thepresent invention. In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a card backer according to the invention ina configuration, in which the card backer has been inserted into a cardsleeve behind a card;

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the card backer shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a card backer according to theinvention;

FIG. 4A shows a close-up view of a card backer shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional view of another card backer according tothe invention;

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a card backer according to theinvention;

FIG. 6 shows a close-up view of a card backer shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows a front view of a card backer according to the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of a card backer according to theinvention in a first and second configuration;

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of a card backer according to theinvention placed next to a card and a sleeve;

FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the card backer shown in FIG. 9in a configuration, in which the card backer has been inserted into thesleeve adjacent to the card shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the card backer shown in FIG. 10in a configuration, in which the card backer has been inserted into thesleeve that has been inserted into an additional sleeve;

FIG. 12 shows a card backer according to the invention being insertedinto a sleeve;

FIG. 13 shows the card backer shown in FIG. 12 in a configuration, inwhich the slip of the sleeve is being inserted into the sleeve;

FIG. 14 shows the card backer shown in FIG. 13 in a configuration, inwhich the slip of the sleeve has been lockingly inserted into thesleeve;

FIG. 15 shows a card backer according to the invention being insertedinto a sleeve together with a card;

FIG. 16 shows the card backer and card shown in FIG. 15 in aconfiguration, in which they have been fully inserted into the sleeve;

FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of a card and a card backeraccording to the invention; and

FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of the card and card backer shownin FIG. 17 in a configuration, in which the card backer and card havebeen inserted into a sleeve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now in detail to the drawings for the purpose of illustratingpreferred embodiments of the present invention, a card backer 2 of thepresent invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 illustrates a frontview of a card backer 2 according to the invention in a configuration,in which the card backer 2 has been inserted into a card sleeve 6 behinda card 4. The card 4 has a width W₁ that is slightly smaller than thewidth W₂ of the card backer 2. The width W₂ of the card backer 2 issmaller than the width W₃ of the sleeve 6.

The card 4 has a length that is slightly smaller than the length of thecard backer 2. The length of the card backer 2 is smaller than thelength of the sleeve 6.

In one embodiment, the width W₁ of the card 4 corresponds to the widthW₂ of the card backer 2.

In one embodiment, the width W₁ of the card 4 is slightly larger thanthe width W₂ of the card backer 2.

In one embodiment, the length of the card 4 corresponds to the length ofthe card backer 2.

In one embodiment, the length of the card 4 is slightly larger than thelength of the card backer 2.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the card backer 2 shown inFIG. 1. It can be seen that the card backer 2 has arced edges 10 andarced corner portions 8. Hereby, the card backer 2 will not scratch thecard or card sleeve (see FIG. 1) when inserted behind the card in a cardsleeve.

FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a card backer 2 accordingto the invention. The card backer 2 comprises an arced edge 10.Accordingly, the arced edge 10 prevents the card backer 2 fromscratching a card or card sleeve when inserted behind the card in thecard sleeve.

FIG. 4A illustrates a close-up view of a card backer 2 shown in FIG. 3.The radius R₁ of curvature of the arced section 12 of the arced edge 10of the card backer 2 is indicated. A straight portion 14 extends inextension of the arced section 12 having an indicated radius R₁ ofcurvature. In one embodiment, the radius R₁ of curvature isapproximately 1 mm.

FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view of another card backer 2according to the invention. The card backer 2 basically correspond tothe one shown in FIG. 3. The card backer 2, however, comprises anenclosure 30 formed as a thermoplastic polymer. In one embodiment, theenclosure is made of polypropylene. The enclosure 30 is formed as aprotective sleeve surrounding the core 28 of the card backer 2. The core28 of the card backer 2 may be made of a metal. In one embodiment, thecore 28 of the card backer 2 is made of steel.

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a card backer 2 accordingto the invention. The card backer 2 comprises a semi-circular-shapedarced edge 10 preventing the card backer 2 from scratching a card orcard sleeve that the card backer 2 is brought into contact with.

FIG. 6 illustrates a close-up view of a card backer shown in FIG. 5. Theradius R₂ of curvature of the arced edge 10 of the card backer 2 isindicated.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front view of a card backer 2 according to theinvention. The card backer 2 has a length L₂ and a width W₂. The cardbacker 2 is equipped with arced corner portions 8. In one embodiment,the length L₂ of the card backer 2 is 91 millimetres and the width W₂ is64 millimetres.

In one embodiment, the arced corner portions 8 are rounded to a radiusof 1 mm (so that the radius of curvature is 1 mm). The edges of the cardbacker 2 are free of sharp bits. Hereby, the card backer 2 cannot cut orscratch the card, the sleeve or the fingers of the user.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of a card backer 2 according to theinvention in a first configuration I and second configuration II. In thefirst configuration, no force is applied to bend the card backer 2 andthus the card backer 2 is straight. In the second configuration II,however, a force is applied to the card backer 2 such that it becomesbent. The angle α between the opposite ends of the card backer 2 isindicated. It can be seen that angle α is approximately 40 degrees.

In the second configuration II, the card backer 2 experiences an elasticdeformation which is a temporary shape change that is self-reversingafter the force is removed. Accordingly, the card backer 2 returns toits original flat shape, after the force is removed as illustrated inthe first configuration I. This can be accomplished because the cardbacker 2 is made of a material that allows a change in shape of thematerial at low stress that is recoverable after the stress is removed.The use of the card backer 2 makes it possible to generate a loudersound when a card hits the surface of a table (like illustrated in FIG.8 in configuration I).

In one embodiment, the card backer 2 is made of a thin sheet of metal.

In one embodiment, the card backer 2 is made of steel.

In one embodiment, the card backer 2 is made of a low alloy, mediumcarbon steel or high carbon steel with a high yield strength. Hereby, itis possible for the card backer 2 to return to its original shape evenwhen the card backer 2 has been exposed to significant bending ortwisting. In one embodiment, the card backer 2 is made of steel having aBrinell hardness between 350 and 415.

In one embodiment, the card backer 2 is made of spring steel (used inthe manufacture of springs).

In one embodiment, the card backer 2 is made of 1074/1075 (SAE grade)steel.

In one embodiment, the card backer 2 is made of 1095 (SAE grade) steelhaving a yield strength in the range 413-517 MPa. The steel may have ahardness (HRC) in the range 48-51.

In one embodiment, the card backer 2 is made of 301 (SAE grade) steelhaving a yield strength of 1014 MPa. The steel may have a maximumhardness (HRC) of 42.

By having a card backer 2 inserted into a card sleeve behind the card itis possible to protect the card from accidental bending and sidewaysmarking during use. The added weight is a bonus feature.

It is important to underline that in one embodiment, the card backer islight (e.g. has the same weight or less than a card). This can be doneby reducing the thickness and/or selecting a material having a lowdensity.

In one embodiment, the card backer 2 is made of graphene.

In one embodiment, the card backer 2 is made of chemically strengthenedglass (such as that developed by Corning Inc. and sold under the brandname Gorilla Glass).

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a card backer 2 accordingto the invention placed next to a card 4 and a sleeve 6. The sleeve 6comprises a front portion 16 and a rear portion 18 constituting an innerspace 24 configured to receive the card 4 and the card backer 2. A slip20 is rotatably arranged relative to the front portion 16 by means of ajoint 22. The length L₃ of the sleeve 6 is larger than the length L₂ ofthe card backer 2. Moreover, the length L₂ of the card backer 2 islarger than the length L₁ of the card 4.

FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the card backer 2 shown inFIG. 9 in a configuration, in which the card backer 2 has been insertedinto the sleeve 6 adjacent to the card 4 shown in FIG. 9. An additionalsleeve 26 is arranged under the sleeve 6.

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the card backer 2 shown inFIG. 10 in a configuration, in which the card backer 2 has been insertedinto the sleeve 6 that has been inserted into an additional sleeve 26.

FIG. 12 illustrates a card backer 2 according to the invention beinginserted into the sleeve 6 behind a card 4. The sleeve 6 comprises afront portion 16, a rear portion and a slip 20 rotatably attached to therear portion. The length L₂ and width W of the card backer 2 isindicated. It can be seen that the W_(pocket) of the pocket of thesleeve 6 is larger than the width W of the card backer 2 and that thelength L_(pocket) of the pocket of the sleeve 6 is larger than thelength L₂ of the card backer 2. The W_(slip) of the slip 20 of thesleeve 6 is smaller than the width W_(pocket) of the pocket that thefront portion 16 and the rear portion of the sleeve 6 constitute.

FIG. 13 illustrates the card backer 2 shown in FIG. 12 in aconfiguration, in which the slip 20 of the sleeve 6 is being insertedinto the sleeve 6.

FIG. 14 illustrates the card backer 2 shown in FIG. 13 in aconfiguration, in which the slip 20 of the sleeve has been lockinglyinserted into the sleeve 6. Now the card 4 is protected by the cardbacker 2 and by the sleeve 6.

FIG. 15 illustrates a card backer 2 according to the invention beinginserted into a sleeve 26 together with a card 4. The length L₂ of thecard backer 2 is smaller than the length L_(pocket) of the sleeve 26.Likewise, the width W of the card backer 2 is smaller than the widthW_(pocket) of the sleeve 26.

FIG. 16 illustrates the card backer 2 and card 4 shown in FIG. 15 in aconfiguration, in which they have been fully inserted into the sleeve26.

FIG. 17 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a card 4 and a card backer2 according to the invention. The length L₂ of the card backer 2 islarger than the length L₁ of the card 4.

FIG. 18 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the card 4 and card backer2 shown in FIG. 17 in a configuration, in which the card backer 2 andcard 4 have been inserted into a sleeve 26.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS s

-   2 Card backer-   4 Card-   6 Sleeve-   8 Arced corner portion-   10 Arced edge-   12 Arced section-   14 Straight portion-   16 Front portion-   18 Rear portion-   20 Slip-   22 Joint-   24 Inner space-   26 Additional sleeve-   28 Core-   30 Enclosure-   R₁, R₂ Radius-   L₁, L₂, L₃ Length-   L_(pocket) Length of pocket-   W₁, W₂, W₃ Width-   W_(pocket) Width of pocket-   I First configuration-   II Second configuration-   α Angle

1. A card backer (2) configured to be supportingly arranged adjacent toa card (4) arranged in a sleeve (6), wherein the card backer (2)comprises one or more arced corner portions (8) and arced edges (10). 2.A card backer (2) according to claim 1, wherein the card backer (2) isplate-shaped and has a basically rectangular shape.
 3. A card backer (2)according to claim 2, wherein the length (L₂) of the card backer (2) is91 mm.
 4. A card backer (2) according to claim 2, wherein the width (W₂)of the card backer (2) is 64 mm.
 5. A card backer (2) according to claim1, wherein the card backer (2) is made of a material that regains itsshape in a first configuration (I) after bending the card backer (2)into a second configuration (II), wherein the angle (α) between twoopposite ends of the card backer (2) is at least 10 degrees.
 6. A cardbacker (2) according to claim 1, wherein the card backer (2) comprisesarced corner portions (8) that are rounded to a radius of 1 mm.
 7. Acard backer (2) according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the cardbacker (2) is 0.2 mm or less.
 8. A card backer (2) according to claim 1,wherein the card backer (2) comprises an enclosure (30) formed of athermoplastic polymer.
 9. A card backer (2) according to claim 8,wherein the enclosure (30) formed as a protective sleeve is made ofpolypropylene.
 10. A card backer (2) according to claim 9, wherein theenclosure (30) has a uniform thickness and covers the entire core (28)of the card backer (2), wherein the core (28) is made of metal.